- Drama Title: Reborn
- Also Known As: 焕羽, Huan Yu
- Director: Liu Zi Wei
- Cast: Zhang Jing Yi, Zhou Yi Ran, Liu Dan
- Screenwriter: Qian Jing Jing, Xu Zi Yuan
- Genres: Drama, Romance, Mystery
- Number of Episodes: 23
- Date or Release: June 19, 2025
- Original Network: Tencent Video
- Where to Watch: WeTV, iQiyi, Viki, Tencent Video
- Adapted from the web novel “Huan Yu” by Qiang Yu
Hola dear readers! Grab your popcorn, tissues, or whatever your Chinese drama-watching essentials are, because we’re about to unpack a show that’s equal parts thrilling and heart-wrenching. This Chinese drama need some special attention from you. So you better not skip this Reborn drama review. Well, let’s not keep you waiting, happy reading!
Read Reborn drama review and ending explained here:
Reborn Drama Synopsis
It’s the year 2007 in Huanzhou City. Qiao Qing Yu and her family have just moved from the small town of Shunyun County, hoping for a fresh start after the death of her elder sister, Qiao Bei Yu. But the rumors surrounding Bei Yu’s death follow them, casting a long shadow over their new life and tormenting the Qiao family.
Facing her parents’ paranoia and ambiguity, Qing Yu begins to question the truth behind her sister’s death. With the help of her classmate, Ming Sheng, she starts digging into the past. As layers of secrets are slowly peeled away, Qing Yu uncovers the injustice that Qiao Bei Yu had endured for years.
What began as resentment slowly turns to sorrow. And sorrow burns into resolve. Qiao Qing Yu, once cold toward the sister she never understood, now finds herself overwhelmed with pity and a fierce determination to seek justice for her.
Reborn Drama Review
Reborn is not your typical teenage drama. It’s waaaaay more than that. This series tackles heavy social issues, all wrapped in the tender, often painful, beauty of teenage love. You’ll feel it from the very first episode.
The main story of Reborn doesn’t lie in the romance between Qiao Qing Yu and Ming Sheng, but in the mystery surrounding Qiao Bei Yu’s death. That’s the red thread connecting the two leads. This drama dives deep into themes of justice, stigma, and mental health.
Qiao Bei Yu suffered under the weight of old-fashioned beliefs that have made life harder for women in Chinese society. But she wasn’t the only one. Her mother, Li Fang Hao, also fell victim to these oppressive norms.
When a woman makes a mistake, society tends to remember it longer. Often, women don’t just face criticism. They endure moral judgment, harsher and more unforgiving than what men receive. They carry the weight of stigma like a shadow that follows them everywhere.
In Qiao Bei Yu’s case, that burden continued even after her death. And perhaps the cruelest part is this: the stigma didn’t always come from strangers. Sometimes, it came from the people closest to her, family members and friends. They were the ones who supposed to protect and support her most.
Qiao Bei Yu was once known as the most beautiful girl in Shunyun County. But gossip and judgment followed her relentlessly. People whispered that she had ties with dangerous men, and eventually, she died of AIDS.
Even in death, her story still follow the living. Her family continued to bear the brunt of her reputation. Years after she was gone, her name still haunted her siblings and their parents, following them into another town. Because of this, the family endured relentless bullying and humiliation.
It upsets me that people enjoy the pain of others. Look around. Grief clings to many people like shadows they can’t shake off. Some carry it in silence, others hide it behind forced smiles and polite small talk. Yet, we still find ways to make life harder for one another.
The neighborhood aunties who love to gossip don’t realize their words claw into someone’s heart. The thugs who strut around like they own the world don’t care that they crush others just to feel tall. The girls who bully their friends out of jealousy are the worst of all. What will they become when they grow up? Will they become adults who wound others just to feel whole?
The world is already filled with sorrow. Even the smallest act of kindness can mean everything. This is how I feel after watching the entire episodes of Reborn.
This drama stars Zhang Jing Yi, my favorite guy with dimples, Zhou Yi Ran, and the incomparable Liu Dan. All three delivered powerful performances. Zhang Jing Yi once again played a strong and resolute character, just like in Blossoms in Adversity and Legend of Zang Hai. She even showed off her dancing skills again, a reminiscent of her role in Bright Eyes in the Dark.
Zhou Yi Ran is the perfect fit for high school roles. His youthful look makes him eye candy, but his roles often carry emotional weight, like in You Are Desire drama and When I Fly Towards You. He always strikes that balance between hot-headed youth and emotionally mature young man.
I just hope he doesn’t get typecast. I liked his role as the fiery future king in The Legend of Zhuo Hua. This is a refreshing change for me as a viewer.
But for me, the true star of Reborn is Liu Dan, who played Li Fang Hao, the mother of Qiao Qing Yu and Qiao Bei Yu. This is what people mean when they say, “There’s no substitute for experience.”
Liu Dan began her acting career in 1988, long before her younger co-stars were born. She’s been in countless dramas. Some of which I’ve reviewed, like Delicious Romance drama, Reset, and Later, I Laughed. She has never disappointed me.
She has a strong character and an impactful presence. In Reborn, she portrayed a heartbroken and emotionally unstable mother with staggering depth. Her sorrow was visible in the slouched shoulders and downturned glance.
It was hard to watch. It feels like witnessing someone carry the weight of the world. You’ll hate her at first. But eventually, you’ll understand. You’ll pity her. Her fear showed in intrusive thoughts, silent rage, and paranoia. And all of that were aimed at her daughter, Qiao Qing Yu. And Liu Dan embodied that pain so convincingly, she made me feel like I was riding an emotional rollercoaster with no brakes.
I can’t stop watching this drama. The mystery has me completely hooked. Qiao Bei Yu’s death wasn’t just tragic, it was suspicious. And his sister, Qiao Qing Yu, wasn’t going to let it be forgotten. She was determined to uncover the truth, even if it meant stirring up secrets that everyone else wanted buried for good.
Her biggest obstacle? Her own family. Especially her mother, Li Fang Hao. In the Qiao family home, Qiao Bei Yu’s name was like a taboo. No one said it. No one dared to speak of her.
The investigation moved at a snail’s pace, but Qiao Qing Yu’s mind moved like lightning. She made sharp deductions, spotting connections that others overlooked. Qiao Qing Yu worked like a private investigator. She tracked down people, questioned them, hunted for evidence, and pieced everything together with chilling precision.
Most importantly, she was fearless. While others hesitated, she stepped forward without flinching. Honestly, it’s a shame she chose to pursue finance. Qiao Qing Yu would’ve made an exceptional police officer. 😁
Reborn isn’t meant for light entertainment. It doesn’t bring laughter or joy. It brings perspective. This drama is an emotional stimulation that trick your brain into feeling of becoming them. You will feel the loss, love, regret, hope, and fear. Their pain becomes your pain, and their victories become your relief.
For me, it hit immediately. One moment that truly touched me in the first episode was when the Qiaos opened their noodle shop. It wasn’t easy for them. And I believe many people starting a new business might feel the same way: uncertain, hopeful, and quietly brave.
I wanted to be the kind of person who gave them hope, not more pain. I imagined myself stepping into their little shop, ordering a bowl of noodles, and offering my biggest smile. I just hope they could feel a bit of the joy I felt when savoring food made from the labor of their dreams.
So, dear readers, if you happen to stroll through your neighborhood and notice a newly opened café, restaurant, food stall, or little shop, step inside. Share a smile. Take a seat, sip a cup of coffee, enjoy a bowl of noodles, or pick up something that fits your budget.
Behind every open door is a story of courage, of dreams, of someone daring to begin again. Your simple presence might be the quiet light that reminds them they’re not alone.
The Story – Every Family Has Its Struggle (episode 17)
“Words can kill, you know?” said Li Fang Hao to Qiao Qing Yu.
The main issues in Reborn revolve around the Qiao family. Qiao Lu Sheng and Li Fang Hao are parents to three children. The first daughter is Qiao Bei Yu. Six years later, Qiao Qing Yu was born. Usually, the birth of a child, whether a girl or a boy, is worth celebrating. For Qiao Lu Sheng and Li Fang Hao, however, it became a burden.
Qiao Lu Sheng’s parents longed for a grandson. Two granddaughters in a row were not what they hoped for. So when Qiao Bei Yu was still a child, they took her to their hometown in Nanqiao Village. Essentially they holding her “hostage” until Qiao Lu Sheng and Li Fang Hao gave them a baby boy.
The adults had promised she could return home once a son was born, but that promise was never kept. Life in Nanqiao Village was far from easy. Isolated and unloved, Qiao Bei Yu found solace in her cousin, Qiao Jin Rui, the only one who showed her genuine kindness.
As you can see here, the adults in the Qiao family failed miserably. The grandparents were lacked empathy and deeply biased. The parents, Qiao Lu Sheng and Li Fang Hao, were so wrapped up in preserving their reputation that they turned a blind eye to Qiao Bei Yu’s suffering.
And don’t even get me started on the aunt (it’s Chen Yan Fen, Qiao Jin Rui’s mother) and the uncles. While Qiao Lu Sheng and Li Fang Hao struggled to support the entire extended family in Nanqiao Village, these relatives barely lifted a finger to help. When the adults don’t function properly, it’s always the children who end up paying the price.
As siblings, Qiao Qing Yu and Qiao Jin Yu never really got to know Qiao Bei Yu. They didn’t grow up together. While Qing Yu and Jin Yu were raised under the love and care of their parents, Bei Yu was left to fend for herself in a place far from home.
And yet, she remained a thoughtful daughter and sister. She knew that if she returned to Shunyun with her parents, it would mean Qiao Qing Yu would have to stay behind in the village. So, she chose to remain. It was a quiet, selfless sacrifice. That revealed the kind of person she truly was.
Beneath the loneliness and pain, she was considerate and loving. She wanted to protect her sister. And maybe, just maybe, she hoped that by being good and selfless, her parents would finally love her as much as they loved the others.
This poor girl just wanted to be loved. But everyone kept turning their backs on her. In the end, she gave her heart to the wrong people. Because no one ever taught her what the right kind of love should feel like. 😭
Qiao Qing Yu used to hate Qiao Bei Yu, believing she was the reason their family fell apart. But as she grew older, her perspective began to shift. She started to see the pain behind Qiao Bei Yu’s actions, and that hatred slowly turned into sympathy. Eventually, it became resentment but not toward her sister. It was toward the parents who had failed to protect their daughter in the first place.
Qiao Qing Yu’s attempt at revenge was impulsive and reckless. But can we really blame her? She’s still just a teenager, trying to untangle trauma with a brain that’s still developing. The prefrontal cortex, which is the part of the brain that handles decision-making, impulse control, and emotional regulation, doesn’t fully developed until around age 25. Qiao Qing Yu was doing the best she could with what she had.
On the other hand, Ming Sheng came from a more stable background. His father is a doctor and his mother an artist. But their divorce left scars. He then raised by his grandfather.
Ming Sheng developed a distant, tense relationship with his father, Ming Qiu Xin. The man tried to reconnect, but Ming Sheng couldn’t forgive him. Miscommunication built walls between them and none of them knew how to break it down.
Ming Qiu Xin, like many parents, hoped his son would follow in his footsteps and become a doctor. In most dramas, the son rebels and chooses a different path. But in Reborn, the story takes a more nuanced turn. Ming Sheng did want to be a doctor. He just didn’t want to admit it, because it felt like surrendering to the father he resented.
It’s true that every family has its own struggles, no matter their circumstances. Whether they’re loving, broken, wealthy, struggling, toxic, or supportive, there are battles we don’t always see. Until we walk in their shoes, we won’t truly know the storms they’ve weathered to keep going.
Thankfully, the ending of this drama is a happy one. I have to admit, I was nervous at first. From the beginning, everything felt heavy and bleak. But if you’re worried about watching people suffer endlessly, fret not dear readers. There’s always a light at the end of a dark path, and Reborn ensures you see it.
The Story-It’s Okay, I’m Here for You (episode 8)
Now, let’s dive into my favorite part: The romance.
Unlike the drama’s heavy family themes, the romance in Reborn felt much lighter. The relationship between Ming Sheng and Qiao Qing Yu began as a typical coming-of-age story. It was unintentional and inevitable. It had actually started years ago, long before she realized it herself.
At first, Ming Sheng acted annoyingly mischievous around Qiao Qing Yu. Honestly, it reminded me of a kindergarten boy tugging on his classmate’s pigtails just to get her attention. It wasn’t charming. It was frustrating. Did he really think bringing up Qiao Bei Yu’s name would win her attentions? Did he not realize how insensitive that was? I swear, I wanted to smack him so hard he’d spinning twice before landing.
But despite those taunts, surely you should see that Ming Sheng was attracted to Qiao Qing Yu without even realizing it. Only after he realized that he was out of the line, Qiao Qing Yu’s figure start to show frequently in his mind.
Despite all the teasing, it was clear that Ming Sheng was drawn to Qiao Qing Yu. Even if he didn’t realize it at first. It wasn’t until he crossed a line that regret crept in. From that moment on, Qiao Qing Yu began appearing more and more in his thoughts, lingering in his mind in ways he couldn’t quite explain or ignore.
Naturally, there were misunderstandings between Qiao Qing Yu and Ming Sheng. But the misunderstandings played a crucial role in shaping their emotional connection. Qiao Qing Yu believed Ming Sheng was the one who spread rumors at school about her being Qiao Bei Yu’s younger sister.
The gossip led to humiliation and relentless bullying. Ming Sheng wasn’t the one behind it, but he didn’t step in to clarify things either. He was scared, afraid that if he spoke up, it might backfire and make her hate him even more.
From this, we can see that Qiao Qing Yu holds a special place in Ming Sheng’s heart. Otherwise, why would a popular student like him pay so much attention to a new transfer student like her? I especially loved the scenes where Ming Sheng secretly watches her in class.
It’s such a classic portrayal of teenage first love. So cute and touching. It reminded me of those moments when I’d steal glances at my crush during class back in my school years. Love feel so wonderful and awkward at the same time. 😅
What I love the most in Reborn was how Ming Sheng’s personality complements Qiao Qing Yu’s. She is stubborn and impulsive person. Her strong sense of justice often lacks careful calculation. Everything she did for Qiao Bei Yu was fueled by instinct and anger. She acted on what felt right, even if it wasn’t the smartest or safest move. She gave it her all, unaware of the consequences.
In contrast, Ming Sheng is calm and composed. He thinks before he acts and always weighs the pros and cons. Like the time he stepped in during her confrontation with Hei (Qiao Bei Yu’s ex-boyfriend). At the moment Ming Sheng acted as a human shield for Hei not because he was protecting him.
Ming Shen was protecting Qiao Qing Yu. Had she injured Hei, she could have lost her chance to take the National College Entrance Examination (NCEE). He also shielded her from the principal’s wrath. Beneath his cold exterior, Ming Sheng deeply cared.
When Qiao Qing Yu got into trouble because what she did in her cousin’s wedding, it was Ming Sheng who helped her. He was worried she’d disappear and leave him behind. Slowly, Qiao Qing Yu came to see that Ming Sheng had always been quietly standing by her side, offering steady support and quiet protection.
But if Ming Sheng gave so much to her, what did Qiao Qing Yu give him in return? She helped him tear down the emotional wall that kept him distant from those who loved him. With her, Ming Sheng learned to open up, to speak his feelings, and to see things more clearly. People say love makes us stronger. And in Ming Sheng’s case, that was true.
His love for Qiao Qing Yu gave him the strength to protect, support, and grow alongside her. Their bond became a source of emotional resilience. He matured into someone more stable and understanding. Because when you love someone, you want to become better. Not just for yourself, but for them too. Through this love, Ming Sheng also found the courage to heal his strained relationship with his father.
Aside from this teenage love story, Reborn also gives us a rare and touching glimpse into a mature romance. Ming Qiu Xin, Ming Sheng’s father, shares a quiet bond with Fang Yan Qiu, a nurse. From colleagues to secret lovers, their relationship stayed hidden for three years.
Ming Qiu Xin feared upsetting his son, and Fang Yan Qiu, ever understanding, respected that distance. It’s an unexpected subplot. You rarely find it in dramas. But this story adds depth and realism to Reborn.
Watching Reborn gave me a lot to think about. And if you decide to watch it too, I believe you’ll walk away with the same insights and emotions that touched me so deeply.
The Characters
Qiao Qing Yu (Played by Zhang Jing Yi)
Qiao Qing Yu is 18 years old this year. She’s nothing like most girls her age who enjoy dressing up, playing around, and chatting about boys. Qiao Qing Yu is serious, observant, and quietly resilient. Truth, justice, and fairness mean everything to her.
We can see Qiao Qing Yu’s unwavering determination, and it’s her empathy and compassion for Qiao Bei Yu that becomes the driving force behind her desire to protect her. She might be a little impulsive or blunt when she speaks, but that never overshadows the warmth in her heart.
Qiao Qing Yu might seem like she resents her parents for neglecting Qiao Bei Yu, yet she still treats them with kindness and respect. She may not be the most cheerful female lead in Cdramaland, but she reminds us of the importance of having a strong moral compass.
Ming Sheng (Played by Zhou Yi Ran)
Ming Sheng is calm and composed, yet undeniably rebellious. He approaches problems with logic and carefully considers consequences that others often overlook. Once he believes something is right, he will follow through, no matter the cost to himself.
Growing up in a troubled family forced Ming Sheng to age beyond his years. Sure, there were moments when he acted childishly. But in critical time, he stepped up and revealed his mature side. He’s smart, observant, and calculating. At the same time, he’s sincere and fiercely protective of those he cares about.
Ming Sheng is emotionally reserved. He tends to bottle up his feelings and rarely talks about them. Ironically, his personality mirrors that of his father, Ming Qiu Xin. But whatever you do, don’t tell him that. Because he absolutely can’t stand the man. 😆
Li Fang Hao (Played by Liu Dan)
Li Fang Hao is a bitter woman, weighed down by regret, grief, and disappointment. What happened to Qiao Bei Yu left her deeply traumatized, and that trauma turned into a controlling paranoia that dominated the entire household, especially Qiao Qing Yu.
Li Fang Hao wasn’t always a cold or harsh mother. Years of emotional suppression and pressure from her in-laws gradually shaped her into the person she is now. She became obsessed with maintaining the family’s reputation and avoiding societal judgment, particularly after Qiao Bei Yu’s death shook the entire town.
Her husband, Qiao Lu Sheng, proved to be an unreliable husband. He was clinging to outdated notions of filial piety that harmed the family. Li Fang Hao took it upon herself to bear the responsibility. She became the pillar of the household, the one who had to stay strong. But she never realized that carrying all that weight would eventually take a toll on her own health.
Qiao Bei Yu (Played by Wu You)
Qiao Bei Yu was a talented dancer, admired not only for her grace but also for her beauty. Despite being abandoned, she still longed for her parents’ love. Selfless and thoughtful, Qiao Bei Yu always tried her best to protect those she cared about.
However, years of suffering and emotional suppression left her fragile. She was heartbroken, isolated, and starved of emotional security. Her sense of self-worth was painfully low, eroded by the betrayal of those who were supposed to love and protect her.
The Conclusion
Reborn is the kind of Chinese drama you turn to when you’re in the mood for something truly tear-jerking. Surprisingly, watching stories like this can be more than just entertainment. It can offer a kind of emotional release.
Sometimes, we bottled up feelings we can’t express in real life, and a drama like this helps us let them out. It can also deepen your empathy, helping you understand your own emotions better or make sense of someone else’s behavior. In a way, it reconnects you to your humanity. And maybe leaves you with a little more compassion than before.
So, are you ready for this emotional roller coaster? Don’t forget to stock up on tissues and maybe some eye cream too, because those puffy eyes will be real! 😉
I hope this post helps you decide whether Reborn deserves a spot on your watchlist. Let me know what you think in the comments box below. I love hearing from you all. Thanks for stopping by, dear readers. See you in the next drama review. Goodbye!
